Paddy Power’s latest World Cup advert, released ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, pits British actor Danny Dyer against American star Rob Lowe in a tongue‑in‑cheek debate over the term football versus soccer.. The commercial, which features cameos from former England striker Peter Crouch and ex‑Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, ends with Lowe conceding and joining Dyer in a packed British pub.

EastEnders Icon Dyer Brings the Pub‑Culture to the Forefront

According to the report, Dyer strips down to a bare chest in a crowded London pub, surrounded by friends, pints of beer and what he calls England’s “mystery pies.” He rejects the term soccer outright, declaring, “It’s football. Proper football. No fireworks, no foam fingers give me a packed boozer,a dodgy pie, and pints flying any day of the week; that’s the real game we all know and love.” The ad uses this setting to highlight the deep‑rooted passion and tradition of football culture in the UK.

Rob Lowe’s American Spectacle Meets British Tradition

Rob Lowe, known for roles in The West Wing and Parks and Recreation, showcases the American vision of soccer with “confetti cannons,fireworks, halftime shows featuring cheerleaders and marching bands.” In a statement quoted in the source, Lowe said, “Nothing compares to a home game in the Premier League. It’s pretty hard to top that as a fan of the British game myself.” He hopes American fans traveling to the World Cup will embrace the British style of support, describing it as “extraordinary.”

Peter Crouch and Mick McCarthy Add a Touch of Celebrity Credibility

The advert also features cameos from former England striker Peter Crouch and ex‑Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, who delivers his now‑famous line, “it can.” Their appearances reinforce the commercial’s message that the passion for the game transcends national borders, regardless of the name used.

Unresolved Questions About the Campaign’s Reach and Reception

While the source highlights the humorous clash and the star power behind the ad, it does not disclose how the campaign has performed in terms of viewership or engagement metrics. It also leaves unanswered whether the ad has sparked any measurable shift in how American fans perceive British football culture. Finally, the report does not indicate whether Paddy Power plans to extend this narrative into other marketing channels during the World Cup.